Billings Gap Overlook Hike
This off-the-beaten-path hike is slightly less than 3 miles round-trip, and takes visitors to a viewpoint of the Billings Gap area and badlands east of Blue Mesa.
Plan Around Billings Gap Overlook Hike
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Billings Gap Overlook Hike Details
This off-the-beaten-path hike is slightly less than 3 miles round-trip, and takes visitors to a viewpoint of the Billings Gap area and badlands east of Blue Mesa. Following the steep edge of Blue Mesa, there are views of blue, purple and white striated badlands to the north, as well as the Puerco River, and broad, grassy valleys to the south. Summer monsoons can add a touch of green and water streams across the badlands after a summer storm. Hikers should park at the fourth pullout of the Blue Mesa Loop Road. From there, they'll walk northeast toward the flat part of the mesa rim. The Billings Gap overlook is a little less than halfway for the total hike. On the return trip, hikers can swing down to the south side of the mesa for a view into a steep-sided amphitheater and they may also see the remains of prehistoric structures and petrified wood flakes, which were used as prehistoric tools. The hike, although not difficult, does require sturdy shoes and visitors should bring snacks, water, sun protection and navigation aids.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Billings Gap Overlook Hike
Compare nearby parks around Billings Gap Overlook Hike when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Billings Gap Overlook Hike
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Billings Gap Overlook Hike while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Blue Mesa Trail
Beginning at the Blue Mesa sun shelter, this 1-mile loop trail descends from the mesa into the badlands.
1.1 mi away
Red Basin/Clam Beds Hike
This 6-mile round-trip hike is part of newly acquired land within Petrified Forest National Park.
1.1 mi away
Blue Mesa
Some of the park's most beautiful badlands, the Blue Mesa area is accessible via a 3.5-mile loop road off the main park highway.
1.4 mi away
The Tepees
These cone-shaped hills lie along the park's main road, in the southern unit of Petrified Forest.
1.4 mi away
Blue Forest Trail
The Historic Blue Forest Trail is 1.5 miles one-way, including 1.2 miles off the beaten path and .3 miles on the Blue Mesa Loop Trail.
